President Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon conducted a state visit to France to renegotiate economic partnerships and resolve long-standing mining disputes. The visit focused on shifting the bilateral relationship toward a “new paradigm” of equal partnership, specifically targeting the local processing of raw materials and the resolution of a conflict between the Gabonese state and the French mining group Eramet over manganese production.
The diplomatic engagement included a state dinner at the Élysée Palace hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. According to the official records of the Élysée Palace, the visit served as a platform to align the strategic interests of both nations regarding security, economic development, and environmental preservation.
Central to the economic agenda was the demand for “industrialization on the soil,” a policy pushed by Oligui Nguema to ensure Gabon captures more value from its natural resources rather than exporting raw ores. This shift aims to move Gabon away from a traditional extraction-based economy toward a manufacturing hub for alloys and battery components.
Resolving the Manganese Deadlock with Eramet
A primary objective of the visit was to end a “bras de fer” (tug-of-war) between the Gabonese government and Eramet, the French company that operates the Comilog mine. The dispute centered on the terms of manganese extraction and the distribution of profits. According to reports from L’Usine Nouvelle, the two parties are now exploring several technical and economic avenues to resolve the impasse.
The proposed solutions include increasing the production of alloys directly within Gabon to avoid shipping raw ore to overseas refineries. Additionally, Eramet and the Gabonese state are discussing entry into the battery market, which requires high-purity manganese. To reduce the carbon footprint of these industrial processes, the parties are investigating the use of biocharcoal as an alternative energy source for smelting.
This transition is critical because Gabon is a major producer of manganese. By processing the mineral locally, the government intends to create high-skilled jobs and increase the state’s share of the value chain, moving beyond the role of a simple supplier of raw materials.
A Shift in France-Africa Diplomatic Relations
During his visit, President Brice Oligui Nguema explicitly called for a change in how France interacts with African nations. In an interview with Le Figaro, Nguema stated that it is necessary to “change the paradigm” regarding Africa, suggesting that the era of paternalistic relations must be replaced by a partnership based on mutual respect and shared economic goals.
The state dinner at the Élysée, as documented by Gala and official government channels, provided the symbolic backdrop for this reset. While the event emphasized diplomatic warmth, the underlying discussions remained focused on the practicalities of debt, investment, and the legal frameworks governing French companies operating in Gabon.
Strategic Economic Implications for Gabon
The economic bilan (assessment) of the visit suggests a strategic pivot toward diversification. The current administration is attempting to leverage the “green transition” in Europe to attract investments in sustainable mining and forestry.
The focus on battery minerals is a direct response to the global surge in electric vehicle (EV) demand. Since manganese is a key component in several battery chemistries, establishing local processing capabilities would allow Gabon to plug directly into the European automotive supply chain. This move would reduce the country’s vulnerability to fluctuations in raw commodity prices.
Furthermore, the emphasis on biocharcoal reflects Gabon’s commitment to its rainforests. By integrating sustainable energy into heavy industry, the government aims to maintain its status as a global carbon sink while simultaneously industrializing its mining sector.
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